It’s well known that employers in tech and engineering are struggling to fill open roles. Unemployment in both sectors is low and there is a knowledge gap due to emerging technologies. As a result, there simply aren’t enough qualified workers applying for the available roles.
It may be surprising but, even in the face of these difficulties, employers don’t post all their available jobs. It may seem counterproductive but there are several reasons for this. First, it can be more cost-effective to work with a narrow talent pool rather than spending the time and resources to weed through hundreds of resumes and interview several candidates. And, if employers are considering fewer people for the role, it can speed up the hiring process. Also, when a candidate is referred to an employer by someone in the company’s network or a recruitment agency, that candidate is often a better fit for the role because the referrer understood how the candidate would meet the employer’s needs.
These unadvertised jobs are often referred to as the “hidden” job market. If you’re looking for a new job, the effort it takes to uncover these hidden opportunities can be well worth your while.
Leverage Your Professional Network
Optimizing your network is likely the most common advice offered to job seekers. There’s a reason for that: it works! And, it’s effective regardless of where you are in your career. Whether you’re looking for your first job or are hoping to shift into a new specialty or a C-suite role, networking is one of the most effective ways to tap into the hidden job market.
There’s no question that networking is a valuable tool. However, it is also a learned skill. If it’s not easy for you, keep working at it. Practice makes perfect. Your networking skills will improve over time.
Attend Industry Events
Whether in person or virtual, industry events that focus on your specialty provide terrific opportunities to expand your network. Conferences, workshops, and meetups are excellent places to develop your networking skills. Participate in discussions, approach people to start conversations, visit vendor tables and poster presentations, and ask questions to connect with people. Even if they can’t assist directly with your job search, they may be able to refer you to another contact.
Join Professional Organizations
Professional organizations offer a wealth of opportunities for job seekers. Often, their mandate includes offering resources and events as a platform for professional development. They may also support mentorship connections.
As with attending industry events, a little legwork is necessary to optimize the opportunities offered by professional organizations. For example, to get the most out of your membership:
- Attend the meetings held by your local chapter;
- Volunteer to sit on committees, work on projects or with special interest groups, or take on leadership roles; and/or
- Take advantage of the opportunities they offer that can expand your network, such as events and mentorship programs.
Develop A Personal Advisory Board
While a personal advisory board is somewhat similar to a mentorship, it is meant to bring together a group of people who take a holistic approach to helping you advance your career. As pointed out in a blog piece, a personal advisory board is:
essentially a handpicked team of advisors, with each one bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the table. It serves as a source of accountability and encouragement, helping you stay focused on your goals and providing support. Knowing that you have a dedicated group of individuals cheering you on can boost your confidence and resilience at any point of your career, whether you’re just starting or navigating a changing role in the C-Suite.
Each person on your personal advisory board has the potential to connect you with hidden job opportunities – or with other people who can do the same.
Develop Your Online Presence
LinkedIn is, of course, one of the best places to develop your network and keep your ear to the ground for hidden job opportunities. Start by optimizing your profile so that relevant employers and recruiters can find you. Beyond that, seek to connect with others on the platform by sharing content, commenting on posts, and engaging in discussions. This same advice applies to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, forums like Stack Overflow and GitHub, and a personal blog or website if you have one.
By pursuing these different ways to develop your network and further your connections, your chances of uncovering hidden job opportunities increase exponentially.
Conduct Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are informal meetings that job seekers request with industry specialists. It’s a chance to speak with hiring managers, recruiters, and seasoned professionals to find out what it’s like to work at certain companies or in specific roles.
An informational interview is not a job interview – it’s a networking opportunity and a chance to find out more about jobs and companies that interest you. Additionally, your interviewee can informally assess your fit with their company and potentially add you to their talent pipeline to be considered for future job opportunities – whether those opportunities are hidden or posted.
To set up an informational interview, start by identifying people who work in jobs that interest you or for companies that align with your goals and values. LinkedIn, online groups, professional organizations, and your existing network are all terrific places to look for possible interviewees.
To request an informational interview, create a personalized message specific to the person, role, or company you’re interested in. Introduce yourself and explain your interest in speaking with them. Be authentic. Reach out through professional channels, such as LinkedIn or their business email address. Offer to meet virtually (if possible) in case that is more convenient for the interviewee.
Once you set up an informational interview, it’s time to craft some focussed questions. The interview is meant to be short (about 30 minutes), informal – and led by you. Research your interviewee and the company that they work for so that your questions demonstrate your authentic interest. Some sample questions are:
- How can I get started in this industry;
- What does your day-to-day look like and is that typical for your role;
- Will you be launching any new projects soon; and
- What is your company culture like?
After the interview, send a thank you note and treat the interviewee as a member of your network going forward. Reach out periodically to touch base, updating them about your career progress and asking that they get in touch if they hear about any job openings that might be a good fit for you.
Tap Into Company Talent Pools
Employers and recruiters often keep databases of potential candidates, which provide instant access to a list of qualified and vetted applicants, negating the need for job postings. These databases are called “talent pools” or “pipelines.”
There are a few different ways to get into a company’s talent pool. Often, candidates who interview well but don’t score a job offer are added to the talent pool, with the employers’ intention of taping those people for other jobs in the future. Additionally, you might be added to a talent pool if you:
- Apply for a job or submit your resume directly on a company’s website;
- Connect with recruitment agencies who specialize in placing tech and engineering professionals; or
- Engage professionally with the company on social media, staying on their radar.
Getting into a talent pool gives you the first crack at the hidden job market. You don’t have to hope that someone remembers to refer you or wait until news about the job opening filters through your network to you. If you’re in a company’s or recruiter’s talent pool, you’ll be one of the first people considered for an open role.
Consider Contract And Freelance Work
Temporary contract or freelance roles provide a terrific way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to different employers, who may need to fill an open role down the line. This type of work also provides plenty of opportunities to add to your network, as you engage with different employers, clients, and colleagues. If you can’t transition directly from a full-time job to contract work, consider picking up freelance work as a side gig to optimize your chances of uncovering hidden job opportunities.
Although employers are struggling to fill jobs in the engineering and tech sectors, you may need to strategize to find your dream job since so many jobs go unposted. Networking, conducting informational interviews, tapping into company talent pools, and considering contract or freelance work are all terrific job search strategies that can help you find your perfect job.
